India is gradually winding down its evacuation efforts from Iran and Israel under “Operation Sindhu” following a ceasefire between the two nations. The help desk in Iran’s Mashhad city has been closed, and further evacuations will be evaluated over the next two days.
Background of the Conflict
- A military conflict erupted between Iran and Israel on June 13, 2025, affecting Indian nationals living in both countries.
- In response, India initiated a large-scale evacuation mission called Operation Sindhu.
Current Developments
- With the ceasefire now in effect, India has started closing the help desk in Mashhad, Iran.
- The evacuation process is being gradually shut down, though officials will monitor the situation for the next two days.
- The decision was taken after observing a reduction in hostilities post-ceasefire.
Evacuation Details
- A total of 2,295 Indians have been brought back from Iran so far under this operation.
- Around 292 Indians returned from Mashhad in a special flight on June 24.
- A group of 161 evacuees from Israel came via Amman, Jordan.
- Another 268 Indians were airlifted from Israel to Delhi via an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 flight, which stopped in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.
- Overall, about 594 Indians have returned from Israel as part of Operation Sindhu.
Government’s Advisory
- The Indian Embassy has asked people not to travel to Mashhad for evacuation as the process is nearly complete.
- Citizens in distress can still contact the embassy through emergency channels.
INDIA’S MAJOR EVACUATION MISSIONS
Operation Ganga (2022)
- Location: Ukraine
- Reason: Russia-Ukraine War
- Evacuated: Over 22,500 Indian nationals, mostly students
Vande Bharat Mission (2020–21)
- Location: Global (70+ countries)
- Reason: COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
- Evacuated: Over 70 lakh (7 million) Indians stranded abroad
Operation Samudra Setu (2020)
- Location: Middle East and Maldives
- Reason: COVID-19 pandemic
- Evacuated: Over 3,000 Indians
Operation Rahat (2015)
- Location: Yemen
- Reason: Civil war and Saudi-led airstrikes
- Evacuated: Over 4,700 Indians and 960 foreign nationals
- Transport Used: Indian Air Force, Navy, and Air India
- Recognition: Praised internationally for rescuing citizens of 41 countries
Operation Maitri (2015)
- Location: Nepal
- Reason: Earthquake disaster
- Evacuated: Over 5,000 Indian nationals, helped Nepali citizens
- Also Provided: Medical aid, rescue teams, relief supplies
Conclusion:
The recent developments mark a dangerous phase in nuclear diplomacy. The world must push for restraint, accountability, and renewed global commitment to peace to avoid repeating the darkest moments of the Cold War.
